Tower Hamlets Council confirms departure of chief executive
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Tower Hamlets Council has announced that Martin Smith, its chief
executive since 2007, is to leave the post.
According to reports, Mr Smith will walk away with a £500,000
pay-off after allegedly being forced out over a personality clash
with council leader Lutfur Rahman.
In a statement issued by the council, which makes no mention of the
reasons for his departure, Mr Smith said: “Tower Hamlets is
an incredible place - the most vibrant, diverse and exciting part
of London, and I have spent seven equally incredible and rewarding
years working for the council. It has been a great privilege to
have been Chief Executive.
"The council is fortunate to have the very best staff in the whole
of local government – passionate about the borough and
committed to delivering excellent public services.
"That’s why we have been consistently judged to be a high
performing organisation and why we have such an unrivalled track
record of improvement. It’s been a real privilege to work
with so many talented and principled people.
"Tower Hamlets is also fortunate in having many councillors who
work tirelessly and selflessly for the whole borough.
"I have enjoyed working with successive leaders of the council and
members from across the political spectrum to develop, scrutinise
and challenge policy and performance.
"When I joined Tower Hamlets in 2002 I told the interview panel
that my motivation was to make a difference to the lives of
residents. I hope I have been able to do that.
"I am particularly proud to leave the council with every service
judged by the Audit Commission to be ‘performing
strongly’ or ‘performing well’, with our
partnership working described as exceptional, with staff morale at
an all time high, and with the council’s finances in a strong
position.
"I wish the council and staff continued success in the
future.”
Council leader Councillor Lutfur Rahman, said: “Martin Smith
has worked with great dedication, commitment and integrity during
his time at Tower Hamlets. He has championed the Council’s
core values of achieving results, valuing diversity, engaging with
others, and learning effectively in all he has done.
"The communities of Tower Hamlets and future direction of the
organisation now require a fresh approach to deliver the council's
priorities around Housing, Education, Tackling Worklessness and
Creating a Safe and Cleaner borough for everyone.
"We have therefore agreed that now would be an appropriate time for
him to move on. I wish him well for the future.”
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